Optometry is the science of dealing with eyes and their related diseases. Further, it includes the study of the structure and functioning of the human eye. Thus, with a BSc in optometry, you will be able to examine, diagnose, and treat people’s eyes. With a degree in Optometry, you will become a doctor of Optometry (O.D.) who can diagnose and provide treatment of eye abnormalities through the prescription of drugs and vision therapies but not surgery. Only an ophthalmologist can perform surgeries. Thus, the scope of BSc Optometry, its eligibility, top colleges, etc., is covered in this blog.
For admission into top BSc Optometry colleges in India and abroad, contact us at ForeignAdmits. We provide successful admission in top universities abroad with and without fully funded degrees. For details call us at 8080679810.
Also read: MBBS in Ukraine
Why should you study BSc optometry?
India is an overly populated developing country. The ratio of an optometrist to population is 1:2,00,000. This means that only one optometrist is available for two lakh people. Whereas, in developed countries like the USA, the same ratio is 1:10,000. Also, in India, there is a demand for nearly two lakh optometrists. Which means you will have a secure and lucrative job in the future.
Additionally, optometry is the right career for those who sympathize with people and want to alleviate their sufferings. Along with that, every third blind person in the world is an Indian. Not only blindness but there a multitude of other eye defects that have become extremely common nowadays. Myopia, hypermetropia, glaucoma, cataract, and diabetic retinopathy are all eye diseases arising due to current lifestyle. Hence, this is why you should study BSc Optometry and fulfill the demand for optometrists in our country.
Also read: Minimum marks required in NEET for MBBS in government college.
Eligibility for BSc Optometry
BSc optometry is a three-year undergraduate course. The following are the eligibility criteria.
The candidate’s minimum qualification should be 10+2 from the science stream or with physics, chemistry, and biology subjects. The aggregate percentage in 10+2 must be above 50%.
The minimum age requirement of the candidate for admission in BSc optometry is 17 years.
Also read: Everything you need to know BSc in Agriculture.
BSc Optometry Admission process
The students applying to BSc Optometry should first check with the specific eligibility requirements of the college. Also, the application form is available online as well as offline. The following is the list of documents required to submit for admission in BSc Optometry:
- Mark sheets of 10th and 12th
- Date of birth proof
- Transfer certificate
- Migration certificate
- Proof of residence or residence/domicile certificate
- Provisional certificate
- Character certificate
- SC, ST, and OBC certificate if applicable
Proof of disability if applicable
The admission is based on the entrance exam. After successfully filling the application form, the college will release cut-off marks and shortlist the candidates. The shortlisted candidates will be called for counseling sessions where the institute checks for their interests and abilities.
Some of the entrance exams mark considered for BSc Optometry admission are AIIMS, NEET, and CMC entrance exams. The average fee for the course can range between Rs.20,000 to Rs.1,00,000.
Also read: Complete guide on BPT course.
Top institutes for BSc Optometry
Here is a list of the top institutes in India for Optometry.
- Aligarh Muslim university, Aligarh, UP
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Science, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
- Assam Medical College, Debrugarh
- Guwahati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati
- Patna Medical College, Patna
- Manipal College of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal
- Bharathi Vidyapeeth Medical College, Pune
- Grewal Eye Institute, Chandigarh
- Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry
- Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai
Additionally, we have a list of the top institutes abroad for optometry.
- College of Optometry, State University of New York, New York
- School of Optometry, UC Berkeley, USA
- The John Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA
- The University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle
- Ashton University School of Life and Health Sciences, UK
- The City University of London, Division of Optometry and visual sciences, London
- University of Auckland, New Zealand
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
Scope and Prospects
After completing the BSc Optometry course, the candidate can opt for higher studies to get lucrative jobs in the future. The candidate can study abroad and find suitable jobs in countries like the UK, the USA, New Zealand, Australia, etc., from the top institutes mentioned above.
Meanwhile, in India, the candidate can apply for jobs both in the public and private sectors. One can take up the job titles after optometric studies are optometrist, optician, optometry researcher, teacher or lecturer, sales executive, etc. The average salary after BSc Optometry is INR 2 to 6 lakh per annum. From the above-mentioned jobs, the highest-paid is that of the optician and optometry researcher with INR 5 to 6 lakh per annum.
However, the scope for jobs in the market is really high due to less number of optometrists and the overpopulation of the country, the demand has increased further. Additionally, students can become entrepreneurs and run their own optical shops, optical clinics, lens manufacturing units, etc. Otherwise, they can work in big and small hospitals as an assistant of an ophthalmologist or as optometrists. Thus, the opportunities are endless.
In conclusion, the people of India are in dire need of opticians and optometrists. If you feel you have the required skill set, patience, communication, honesty, sympathy, and leadership, then you should definitely give it a try. Also, the job sector here can never go dry, at least in India. Additionally, Optometry is the 6th most sought after course in the USA. You also have the opportunity to complete your higher education in the USA or any other European country. All the best!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can a BSc in optometry be a doctor?
Ans. A BSC optometry is an undergraduate program of four-year that includes one year of training. An optometrist is not a medical doctor, but rather a doctor of optometry (O.D.)
Q2. What does a BSc optometry degree entail?
Ans. Following optometric education, one can work as an optometrist, optician, teacher or lecturer, optometry researcher, sales executive, and so forth. The average pays after completing a BSc Optometry program are INR 2 to 6 lakh per year.
Q3. Is BSc optometry a decent course to take?
Ans. Optometry is a rewarding job in medical training in a variety of ways. It is a vibrant and difficult job that provides self-awareness, work freedom, community respect, financial success, and limitless chances.
Q4. Is NEET required in Optometry?
Ans. No, the NEET test is not required for optometry. To become an optometrist, you must first complete a four-year bachelor’s in optometry. To be qualified for this program, you should have completed your 12th grade with at least 50% marks in physics, biology, and chemistry from a recognized institution.
Q5. Is optometry a good profession?
Ans. Optometry is a lucrative profession with several prospects for advancement. Furthermore, the majority of optometrists report good work fulfilment and an outstanding quality of life.
At ForeignAdmits, we understand how important this decision is. We are here to help you every step of the way, from finding the right school to getting admitted and securing scholarships.
ForeignAdmits have a team of experienced counsellors. We can provide you with customized guidance based on your individual needs contact us today to get started. We look forward to helping you achieve your educational and career goals.